Bishops’ conferences and dioceses across Asia have united in prayer and thanksgiving following the election of Pope Leo XIV, describing the new pontiff as a gift of grace for the Church and a shepherd called to lead during challenging times.
The Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference, in a message dated May 8, called on clergy and faithful to join in thanksgiving for the gift of the new pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV.
“During the 19 days of the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the People of God throughout the world prayed, and the Holy Spirit inspired and guided the Cardinals so that today the Lord would give us the Shepherd of the universal Church,” the bishops wrote.
“To express joy and communion with the Church, let us all ring our bells at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10,” said the Vietnamese bishops.
The prelates also asked that the faithful include special prayers “to strengthen the Church in faith and love together with Pope Leo XIV” in the daily celebration of the Eucharist. The statement concluded by echoing the pope’s first greeting: “The peace of the Risen Lord be with you.”
In Japan, Bishop Paul Daisuke Narui of Niigata called the pope’s election a moment of “joy, hope and gratitude,” noting that Pope Leo XIV’s first words—Peace be with you all—were a “clear message for a world that is becoming increasingly divided and disconnected.”
He encouraged all parishes and monasteries to celebrate Mass for the new pope and to renew their determination to walk the Gospel path.
From Thailand, Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, offered a stark and moving reflection on the weight of the papacy.
“The new pope is not claiming a throne but embracing a cross,” he told LiCAS News. “He is not stepping into glory—he is walking into sacrifice. His burden will be unseen by many, but his soul will feel it every day.”
In Korea, Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul highlighted the significance of the pope’s chosen name. “The name Leo XIV evokes continuity with Pope Leo XIII… a renewed commitment to the common good and a pastoral attentiveness to the Church’s social teachings,” he said.
Archbishop Chung praised the pope’s missionary background, deep spirituality, and leadership, and called for prayers for peace in Asia and on the Korean Peninsula.
In the Philippines, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan reminded the faithful that the pope is “grace in flesh and blood to unite us… and lead us to Jesus.”
He called for unity and urged Catholics to rise above ideological divisions. “He is our Pope. Let not the Pope frighten us. He is a grace of hope. He is our answered prayer.”
Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo expressed the diocese’s “prayers, obedience, and wholehearted support” for the new pope, praying that he may serve “with wisdom, bear challenges with courage, and persevere through the grace of God.”
In Cubao, Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. issued liturgical guidance directing the inclusion of Pope Leo XIV’s name in the Eucharistic Prayer and the offering of Masses for the pope. He also shared a bilingual prayer asking God to grant the Holy Father strength, health, and guidance.
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) similarly welcomed the pope “with faith and filial love,” calling him a shepherd of “pastoral experience, humility, and dedication to the Gospel.”
The bishops pledged support for the pope’s mission of evangelization, justice, peace, and care for the poor and creation.
Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago-born Augustinian missionary and former prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, was elected on May 8 and appeared before the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. – with reporting from Chainarong Monthienvichienchai
